Minecraft XBox 360 Getting Rave Reviews

By Simon Gallagher / May 10, 2012

Seemingly years in gestation as a console project, Notch's masterpiece Minecraft has finally come to XBox 360 via Xbox Live for 1600 MSP (around £13), and it is being roundly lauded as a fine addition to the XBLA market. The game is consistently picking up four star (and above) reviews from the creme-de-la-menthe of online reviewer types, so while we haven't got our own review in, we'll have a look at what those brains have been saying. Minecraft supremo Notch himself meanwhile has hinted that day one sales have been impressive for the new version, tweeting: "I am not allowed to reveal numbers yet, but let's just say Minecraft: Xbox 360 edition is doing.. pretty.. uh.. well." Here are the major reviewer's takes on the 360 port of the game... GameInformer I€™ve always been a fan of games that emphasize exploration and freedom, and that€™s what Minecraft is at its core. I absolutely love the feeling I get from scaling a blocky mountain and seeing a wide-open expanse of pure possibility in the distance. It was revelatory when it was released on PC, and Xbox 360 players now have a chance to experience all the wonder that Minecraft offers. The Guardian

rating:4

Minecraft is the phenomenon. Its creator, lone coder Markus "Notch" Persson, presides over his vast community like a benevolent and particularly affable cult leader, and he has brought to this game (which he openly admits has been inspired by other forerunners, most notable, Infiniminer) a distinct, indescribable atmosphere. Like Sim City and Civilization before it, it is a sandbox that not only facilitates but also actively nurtures experimentation and creativity. That is much more rare than it sounds, and so much more valuable. Nowgamer

rating:4

As a port of the PC game Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition is superb. Heavy reliance on outside sources still taints the overall enjoyment, but so long as you know what to expect it€™ll be hard to be disappointed. CVG

rating:4.5

Whether you're mining, crafting, building, or fighting - either alone, or with friends - there's nothing quite like Minecraft. An accomplished, streamlined port that's a perfect fit for Xbox 360. Digital Spy

rating:4

What is there is fun, but incomplete; with each purchase there is an investment of trust that Minecraft will grow and evolve on Xbox 360 as it continues to do on PC. Of course, those venturing into Minecraft's world for the first time would never know that pieces of the puzzle are still missing. And assuming the updates do eventually arrive, those newcomers will have a treat as they witness the process of a game being built around them. But even without the latest updates and features,Minecraft Xbox 360 Edition remains a compelling experience. IGN Minecraft on Xbox is almost as good as the PC version. It€™s still a great way to express yourself, but the lack of some of the PC features like mods and Creative Mode is disappointing. The vastly improved crafting interface and smooth online play make it easier to get into than ever before, which should open up Minecraft to a whole new audience. If you long to be creative and express yourself in a videogame, and don€™t mind being dropped into a sandbox that lacks stereotypical game goals, Minecraft is one of the greatest options available. Eurogamer

rating:4.5

This is a supremely tight version of a classic game that gracefully navigates the limitations of its platform. The pad controls are taut, fast and logical. The Xbox 360's small memory and the lack of dedicated online servers means the worlds created in this Minecraft are smaller, and can never live online independently of their creators. On the other hand, it has never been simpler to share your Minecraft creation with a few friends; there's support for split-screen local multiplayer (a potential killer app for some fans), and simple toggles dictate whether your game will be online and open or invite-only. Minecraft is available to download from the XBLA now for 1600 MS Points.